Baseball season is finally upon us – and with it comes the hope of another season. While not everyone can handle the highs and lows that come with a 162 game rollercoaster ride of emotions, for baseball fans, nothing is better.
Baseball is the joy of watching your team come through in the clutch, and baseball is the misery of watching a rival launch a walk-off home run into the bleachers. But more than anything, baseball is an escape.
During the game, we don’t have to think about whatever the POTUS said to a group of reporters, and we don’t have to think about how it’s March, yet we’re still using the holidays as an excuse to be out of shape. (Sorry if that last part hit close to home.)
Instead, though, we can discuss the latest miraculous play by Nolan Arenado or moon shot from Trevor Story. We can debate the rotation and reminisce about the greatest moments in franchise history. We can stuff our faces with popcorn and loudly sing “Take me out to the ballgame”. But during baseball season, all that matters is your team.
Okay – I get that this is starting to sound like a corny script for Fever Pitch. But the point is baseball gives us a chance to just to be in the moment and appreciate the process.
The process is not always easy – nobody knows this more than Rockies fans. But even in the toughest of seasons, there are always moments that make the six-month commitment worth it. For instance, when an up-and-coming prospect is able to make his major league debut or a beloved veteran makes a valiant return from injury.
And when your team actually does make a postseason run, there are few sports that are as rewarding. Unlike football, where a 7-9 team may be able to sneak their way into a wild card spot, the lengthy season almost always ensures that the best teams make the playoffs. So basically if your squad is still playing in October, chances are they’re one of the best eight teams in the league.
Beyond the drive to win the pennant and all the politics that inevitably come into play with big money on the line, what makes baseball so special is it brings people together. Whether you’re a 9-year-old at the game with your dad for the first time or a 45-year-old baseball fanatic, there is a place at the ballpark for you.
Some of the most memorable experiences in my life have been at 20th and Blake St. From the 2007 play-in game against the Padres to the less-exciting day games I caught with my grandpa while playing hookie, I could probably fill a small novel with my greatest Coors Field memories.
As the Rockies continue to improve as a franchise, I can’t help but smile when I think about the younger generation of baseball fans that will grow up watching guys like Arenado on a daily basis. The Rockies were always my escape as a child and I grew up during arguably the worst stretch of Colorado’s existence as a franchise. With a loaded roster and fan base that’s as committed as they’ve ever been, the only thing to say now is take me out to the ballgame.
